Dive Brief:
- Canada-based outdoor athletic retailer Arc’teryx opened a Venice, California, store on Saturday devoted to climbing, according to a Monday press release.
- It’s the company’s newest retail location and its first concept store focused exclusively on climbers and climbing gear, per the release. The space offers a climb-focused assortment of Arc’teryx apparel and equipment, as well as a selection of third-party climbing products.
- The store also features a Grasshopper climbing wall, a Beta Board, a lounge and outdoor patio. This is Arc’teryx’s fourth Los Angeles-area location and its fifth store in Southern California.
Dive Insight:
Local Los Angeles-area climbing partners ABA and Long Beach Rising helped Arc’teryx build a foothold in the community ahead of the store’s opening, per the release. Moving forward, Long Beach Rising is expected to be an ongoing presence in the space and be responsible for “regularly updating routes and holds on the climbing wall,” as well as helping the retailer with its third-party branded product assortment.
The store will also offer events and workshops designed to align with the “climbing culture that already exists in LA,” per the release.
“Our best stores are shaped by the communities they serve,” Stephanie Jamieson, senior director of brand community at Arc’teryx North America, said in a statement. “We wanted to create a place that LA climbers would genuinely want to spend time in: somewhere to learn from one another, connect with the local scene and find new ways to get involved. The climbing wall, lounge, patio and programming all come back to that idea, creating a space that supports the community in ways that go well beyond shopping.”
The store’s Beta Lounge will feature furniture from local design studio Waka Waka, as well as guidebooks and magazines from Alpinist and Summit Journal. In addition, a projection series titled “Arc Presents” will show climbing films and other content.
“At Arc’teryx climbing is part of our DNA and community has always been core to how we think about retail,” Delaney Schweitzer, general manager of Arc’teryx North America, said in a statement. “The shared connection we have to climb with the Los Angeles community was the catalyst for the creation of this new store concept.”
Revenue in brand owner Amer Sports’ technical apparel unit increased 32% year over year to $674 million in the second quarter of 2026, driven by the strength of Arc'teryx. The company's technical apparel segment ended Q2 with 305 stores, up 34% year over year.
In a Sept. 16 guidance update, Amer Sports projected third quarter 2026 year-over-year revenue growth of between 20% and 22%, up from a previous guidance range of between 18% and 20%.
“In addition to another strong third quarter, we also expect great things from our company long-term,” Amer CFO Andrew Page said in a statement. “Given our confidence in our three key growth engines: Arc'teryx, Salomon Softgoods, and Wilson Tennis 360, we are pleased to reiterate the 5-year financial algorithm for Amer Sports Group, despite our significantly higher revenue and margin base versus a year ago.”
Arc’teryx previously announced plans to open 30 to 35 net new stores in 2026 and was especially bullish regarding the growth of its women’s business. In February, Arc’teryx tapped former Tommy Hilfiger executive Avery Baker to be its first chief brand officer. She was tasked with leading global brand strategy, marketing and communications for the brand, as well as establishing a consumer experience team.
